Family Protection

Children

Children playing with matches, lighters and fires cause deaths and injuries every year. Young children are most likely to start fires inside the home. The following safety tips will help your children understand the danger of playing with fire:

Store matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Use lighters with child-resistant features.

Teach young children to tell an adult if they see matches or lighters.

If your child expresses curiosity or interest in fire, explain that matches and lighters are for adults only. Or, take advantage of OPFD's Juvenile Firesetters Program.

Before permitting your child to sleep over at a friend's house, make sure they have an escape plan in case of a fire and run through the NFPA's sleepover checklist in case of a fire while you're not there.

Older Adults

Adults 65 years and older are more likely to die in a fire. Older people can reduce their risk of death and injury by following these steps from the National Fire Protection Association: